The Met Gala is an annual fundraising event held to benefit the Costume Institute of the Metropolitan Museum of Art in New York City. It marks the opening of the Costume Institute's spring exhibition and serves as its primary fundraiser, generating significant capital to support exhibitions, acquisitions, and improvements for the department
. Founded in 1948 by fashion publicist Eleanor Lambert, the event has evolved from a modest dinner party into one of the world's most exclusive and glamorous social events. It attracts a carefully curated guest list of celebrities and influential figures from fashion, entertainment, politics, business, sports, and more
. Each year, the Met Gala features a specific theme that influences the event's decor and dress code, encouraging attendees to showcase creativity and expression through fashion. The event is known as "fashion's biggest night," where haute couture intersects with history and culture to create a unique cultural moment
. The evening typically includes a formal dinner, a high-profile performance, and an exclusive preview of the Costume Institute's exhibition. The museum is closed to the public during the event, and guests must adhere to a strict no- phone policy inside the museum
. Tickets are extremely expensive and highly sought after, with costs rising to $75,000 per seat in recent years, reflecting the gala's status as a premier charity ball and social occasion
. In summary, the Met Gala is a prestigious fundraising gala that celebrates fashion, art, and culture while supporting the Metropolitan Museum of Art's Costume Institute
